Attorney Philip Hayes brings over 20 years of courtroom experience to every criminal case Hayes Law Office handles. Our legal team knows that the outcome of a conviction can result in serious consequences, which is why we fight to do whatever we can to improve the outcome of your case.
Our attorneys dig deep to analyze every detail, from discovering police errors to challenging the evidence, and exposing the flaws in the prosecution’s case. Our goal is to do everything we can to get your charges reduced or even dropped entirely. At Hayes Law Office, we look at every available option and consider how it may benefit you. Reach out today at (317) 759-1515 to see how we can help.
Your Advocate In and Out of Court
At Hayes Law Office, we’re with you every step of the way; from the moment of police contact through trial, appeals, and beyond. We don’t just fight the charges themselves, we can also help you handle related issues like driver’s license concerns, job repercussions, and record expungement. Our defense strategies are tailored to your circumstances, whether that means taking a bold stand in court or pursuing strategic negotiations.
Types of Criminal Charges We Defend
At Hayes Law Office in Indianapolis, every client receives personalized representation throughout any criminal defense matter, including:
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DUI/OWI)
- Drug offenses such as possession
- Felonies
- Domestic violence allegations
- Violent crimes like assault or battery allegations
- Property crimes
- Weapon offenses like firearms or knives
- Manslaughter charges
The Indiana criminal defense attorneys at Hayes Law Office go to great lengths to protect our clients. Make the choice to see what Hayes Law Office can do for you, call (317) 759-1515 now.
Misdemeanors vs Felonies
Misdemeanors in Indiana are less serious offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $5,000. This typically covers things like Class A charges for minor theft or simple battery.
Felonies carry prison time of over one year in state facilities, fines up to $10,000, and lifelong restrictions like loss of voting rights. Felony offenses range from Level 6 crimes, often punishable for up to 2.5 years in prison, to murder charges punishable by 45 years to life.
The distinction affects bail, plea options, and long-term impacts, but Attorney Hayes fights to reduce felonies to misdemeanors whenever possible.
What Happens After You’re Charged in Indianapolis?
- Arrest and Charge Filing: After arrest, police typically file formal charges within 48 hours if probable cause exists, based on their investigation and evidence. A prosecutor reviews the probable cause affidavit to decide whether to proceed.
- Initial Hearing: Within 48-72 hours of arrest (often the next business day), you appear before a judge for your first court date. The judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, sets bail based on flight risk and case severity, and enters a preliminary "not guilty" plea. Future dates, like the omnibus hearing, are scheduled here.
- Bail and Release Determination: Bail amount and conditions are set considering factors like criminal history, ties to the community, and offense severity. You may be released on your own recognizance, post bond, or remain in custody if deemed a high risk. This can happen before or at the initial hearing, with Marion County's backlog often delaying full resolution.
- Discovery Phase: Prosecutors must share evidence with your defense attorney, including police reports, witness statements, and forensics. This "discovery" process begins shortly after the initial hearing and can take weeks to months, allowing your attorney to review and challenge the case amid court delays.
- Omnibus and Pre-Trial Conferences: An omnibus date (45-75 days post-initial hearing for felonies) sets deadlines for motions, alibi notices, and defenses like self-defense claims. Pre-trial conferences discuss plea offers, evidence issues, and case status.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial Preparation: Most cases end with a plea deal to reduce charges or penalties. If not, the case advances to trial scheduling, where your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
Your Rights in an Indianapolis Criminal Case
You hold fundamental constitutional protections that can form the backbone of your defense. Attorney Hayes ensures these rights are upheld at every step.
Right to Remain Silent
Under the Fifth Amendment and Miranda warnings, you have the absolute right to stay silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Never speak to police without counsel present.
Right to Legal Counsel
The Sixth Amendment guarantees an attorney from the moment of custodial interrogation. If you can't afford one, a public defender will be appointed. Invoke this right immediately by saying, "I want a lawyer."
Common Mistakes That Hurt Criminal Cases
- Speaking to Police Without a Lawyer: Talking to officers post-arrest without counsel is the top mistake, as even innocent comments can be twisted into admissions. In Indiana, police must read Miranda rights, but many waive them under pressure, leading to statements used against you in Marion County courts.
- Posting on Social Media About Your Case: Sharing details, rants, or photos online lets prosecutors screenshot evidence that undermines your defense. Marion County investigators routinely monitor platforms, turning a vent post into proof of guilt or flight risk.
- Missing Court Dates or Hearings: No-shows trigger warrants and bail revocation, signaling unreliability to judges. Even traffic violations count against you, escalating misdemeanors to felonies with pretrial detention.
- Accepting Plea Deals Without Evidence Review: Rushing pleas ignores discovery flaws like weak witnesses or illegal searches, locking in convictions unnecessarily.
- Violating Pretrial Release Conditions: Ignoring no-contact orders, curfews, or drug tests leads to jail time and plea leverage loss. In Indiana, violations challenge judicial authority, worsening outcomes in crowded dockets. Your attorney ensures compliance while challenging unfair terms from day one.
- Contacting Witnesses or Victims Directly: Any outreach risks tampering charges, even if they initiate contact. Prosecutors portray it as intimidation, poisoning negotiations. Delegate all communication to counsel to avoid this ethical and legal trap.
Avoid these pitfalls with Hayes Law Office, your Indianapolis advocate from arrest to resolution. Schedule a free consultation today to protect your defense.
Possible Outcomes in a Criminal Defense Case
At Hayes Law Office, our attorneys leave no stone unturned. We work diligently to protect the rights of our clients. If a plea agreement is not completely in your best interest, Hayes Law Office will aggressively fight to protect your rights at a criminal trial and pursue the best possible outcome for your future.
Case Dismissal or Evidence Suppression
Drug charges often hinge on search and seizure issues, where violations of your Fourth Amendment rights can lead to evidence exclusion or full dismissal. For instance, improper traffic stops, coerced consent, or warrant defects allow skilled attorneys to file suppression motions that collapse the prosecution's case. Hayes Law Office reviews police reports and body cam footage to spot these opportunities early.
Favorable Plea Negotiations
Most cases resolve through pleas tailored to reduce charges, penalties, or add diversions like probation over jail time. Attorney Hayes leverages deep knowledge of Indiana criminal law (Title 35) and local prosecutors' tendencies to negotiate minimum disruptions, especially for first-time or nonviolent offenses. This approach minimizes collateral consequences like license suspension or employment barriers.
Trial Acquittal or Hung Jury
When pleas don't serve your interests, aggressive trial defense challenges the prosecution's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Violent crimes like domestic violence often boil down to conflicting "he said, she said" testimonies, where cross-examination and reasonable doubt strategies secure not guilty verdicts. Hayes Law Office's 20 years of courtroom experience delivers strong advocacy for acquittals.
Sentencing Mitigation
Post-conviction outcomes focus on lighter sentences by presenting mitigating factors. Strategies include alternative placements, work release, or record sealing eligibility to protect your future. Contact Hayes Law Office today for a free consultation to pursue the optimal outcome in your Indianapolis case.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
The main objective of an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer is to work hard reviewing and challenging the evidence to reduce the consequences of any crimes that the defendant has been part of. Without an attorney, your rights may not be properly protected and there is a higher chance of conviction.
In today’s economic times, many employers are likely to verify the criminal backgrounds of their candidates. If given the opportunity to hire two equally qualified candidates, an employer may elect to hire the candidate without a conviction, charge, or arrest on their record, regardless of its nature. That’s why you must select an experienced attorney to protect your rights and explore options for challenging the charges.
How The Hayes Law Office Defends Indianapolis Clients
In addition to trial-tested courtroom advocacy, the criminal defense legal team addresses the big picture throughout the criminal legal system. Collateral consequences may frequently arise after charges are brought. Hayes Law Office is a trusted resource for individuals to seek assistance in protecting and restoring privileges and records, including:
- Seeking specialized driving privileges
- Helping to reinstate suspended licenses
- Clearing records through expungements
If you are facing criminal charges, now is the best time to reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney. You can contact Hayes Law Office in Indianapolis by calling (317) 759-1515. You may also send a brief message online to request a free consultation.
The sooner you reach out to the firm, the sooner our attorneys can begin working on your case with your best interests at heart. Hayes Law Office represents clients from Carmel and McCordsville to Plainfield and throughout the Indianapolis area.
Speak With Our Criminal Defense Attorney Today
By thoroughly investigating each case, we take a proactive approach to finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments and taking a commanding stance in pre-trial negotiations. We do not sit idly and wait to see how the case proceeds. In many instances, we are able to have criminal charges reduced, dismissed, or at the very least resolved with reduced penalties. We are known for our commanding presence in the courtroom. Call Hayes Law Office today at (317) 759-1515 to get started protecting your future.
